Have your say on tackling Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking

The Department of Justice is seeking your views on a new three-year strategy to tackle modern slavery and human trafficking. 

The strategy will focus on prevention, protecting victims and pursuing offenders and has been developed in collaboration with the Organised Crime Task Force Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking sub group, non governmental organisation Engagement Group and other partner agencies.

Department of Justice Permanent Secretary, Richard Pengelly said: “Modern slavery and human trafficking takes many forms and guises.  It cuts across all sections of society and has a potential impact on everyone. 

“It is important that the public and interested organisations have the opportunity to shape how we progress the proposed new 3-year strategy.  The strategy will enable society to better identify modern slavery and human trafficking and to work to eradicating it.”

Modern slavery is an umbrella term often used to describe offences of human trafficking and of slavery, servitude and forced or compulsory labour. 

The consultation closes on 10 January at 23.59hrs.  Details can be found at the consultation section of this website.

Anyone with concerns around potential modern slavery or human trafficking abuses should contact the police or the Modern Slavery Helpline 08000 121 700.

Notes to editors: 

1. The consultation on the draft strategy runs from 18 October 2022 to 10 January 2023: To respond to the consultation visit NIDirect website

2. For enquiries relating to the consultation, please contact MSHTE via Email .  Hard copies and alternative formats of the consultation document are available on request from this address.

3. The strategy has been developed under section 12 of the Human Trafficking and Exploitation (Criminal Justice and Support for Victims) Act (Northern Ireland) 2015 and following the enactment of the Justice (Sexual Offences and Trafficking Victims) Act (Northern Ireland) 2022.  The strategy has moved from being produced annually to every three years.

4. Further information about human slavery can be found at on the NIDirect website

5. Some of the signs of modern slavery are:

• Someone who is distrustful of authorities
• Someone who appears to be under the control of others
• An over-crowded house or flat
• Someone who is unsure of their address or the local area
• Someone who may not have cash because they can’t keep the money they earn or
• Someone who can’t produce their passport or personal documents.

6. Media enquiries via Email . The Executive Information Service operates an out of hours service For Media Enquiries Only between 1800hrs and 0800hrs Monday to Friday and at weekends and public holidays. The duty press officer can be contacted on 028 9037 8110.

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